July 21st - By Azania Xaba

Written By: Azania Xaba

Category: POetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Azania Xaba, writing under the name July 21st, presents her evocative poem "July 21st" in the category of poetry. This piece is part of the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Azania's work delves into the complex emotions surrounding love and heartbreak, capturing the highs and lows of romantic relationships with raw honesty and depth.

About the Work

"July 21st" by Azania Xaba artfully captures the emotional journey from blissful love to heart-wrenching loss. Through vivid imagery and poignant reflections, the poem explores themes of trust, betrayal, and enduring affection despite disillusionment. Azania's use of language evokes a powerful sense of longing and vulnerability, inviting readers to empathize with the speaker's profound sense of heartbreak.

July 21st

Original Submission by Azania Xaba

July 21st

3 years ago, you stood in front of me

And told me that you loved me

The heavens know I’ve never felt happier

I felt like I was in a fairytale, living my happily ever after

With the man of my dreams

I gave you my heart even though it had already been yours

Today

You stand in front of me yet again

As I stare into your cold orbs in disbelief

Struggling to comprehend how the eyes I once saw my future and joy in

Could be so dark and cold

You stand right before me

As your once gentle but now harsh voice snaps me out of my head

And you utter the words coldly

“I don’t think we should be together anymore”.

I stare at you with glossy eyes and a shattered heart

It was always too good to be true

Who would love me anyway

I was a fool to think that perhaps

You were that one person who would love me

With all my flaws and imperfections.

Someone I could call mine, shamelessly

I just wish you could have told me

That forever to you meant a couple of years

That your heart could never really be mine,

before I stupidly gave you mine

I wish you told me

That you didn’t believe in love

before you told me how much you love me

And I whispered, “I love you more”

You should have told me

That you are silver tongued

Before I went ahead and believed all the sweet nothings you whispered into my ears

Or that you’re a really good actor

Instead of letting me believe that how your eyes twinkled when you looked at me

Reflected how you truly felt

It’s clear now, that it was all just a façade

But I still wish you could have been honest with me

Before I fall in love with you

And gave you my entire being

Even with all these regrets and wishes

That will never come true

My heart still wants you

And only you

By Azania Xaba

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary talent from around the world. This prestigious event offers a platform for writers to showcase their creativity and share their unique voices with a global audience. Participants submit their works across various categories, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Azania Xaba for sharing her touching poem "July 21st" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of love's complexities resonates deeply and adds richness to the competition. We look forward to seeing more of her insightful work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.